Dubai Desert Safari

Late in the afternoon a 4x4 collects you from your hotel and heads out of the city to the red dunes beyond. Experienced drivers take the vehicles up and over the sand in a roller-coaster dune drive, with stops to photograph the sunset, try sandboarding and ride a camel.

The evening ends at a Bedouin-style camp with henna painting, a tanoura dance and a fire show, and a barbecue buffet under the stars. Vegetarian dishes are always part of the spread, and Jain meals can be arranged.

The dune drive is lively, so it is not suitable for pregnant travellers, babies or anyone with back problems; for them we arrange a gentler desert drive that skips the big dunes. Wear closed shoes and carry a light jacket, as winter evenings in the desert turn cool.